HOW TO COPE WITH SIDE EFFECTS!

Antidepressants can cause unpleasant side effects. Such as nervousness, headache and upset stomach, just to name a few, these will improve within a few weeks, stick with it.

If side effects seem to much you may be tempted to stop taking your meds.. DON'T DO IT! Try to persevere as things will improve and you'll be on the way to feeling much better.

SIDE EFFECTS AND HOW TO COPE:

Nausea:

Nausea can start within a week but as your body adjusts to the med it will stop.

Coping:

Take your meds with food, unless told not too.

Eat much smaller meals more frequently.

Suck boiled sweets, sugarless are better!

Drink plenty of water.

Try an antacid.

Sexual side effects:

Most SSRI's cause sexual side effects. They can include decreased sex drive and difficulty reaching orgasm.

Coping:

Talk to your doctor about a "drug holiday" - stopping medication for a day or so each week.

For men Viagra may help.

For women, estrogen cream may help.

Fatigue/Drowsiness:

Fatigue and drowsiness are very common during the first few weeks.

Coping:

Try to get some sleep during the day.

Get some exercise like walking.

Avoid driving if drowsy.

Take your meds 1 or 2 hours before bedtime.

Insomnia:

You may get insomnia because some meds give you an energy boost. It can also make it difficult to get to sleep or stay asleep - and you may be tired during the day.

Coping:

Take your meds in the morning.

Avoid caffeinated drinks, particularly during the evening.

Exercise - but complete them a few hours before bedtime.

Ask your doctor for a sedating medication.

Dry mouth:

Dry mouth is a common side effect of many antidepressants.

Coping:

Sip water regularly or suck on ice cubes.

Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless hard sweets.

Avoid caffeine.

Breathe through your nose, not your mouth.

Blurred vision:

Blurred vision is common but it usually goes away within a couple of weeks.

Coping:

Ask your doctor about special eye drops.

Get an eye exam to see whether blurred vision caused by your meds may be worsened by an underlying eye problem.

Dizziness:

Dizziness is a common side effect.

Coping:

Get up slowly from sitting or standing positions.

Use handrails and sturdy items for support.

Avoid caffeine, tobacco and alcohol.

Drink plenty of water

Take your meds at bedtime.

Agitation/restlessness/anxiety:

Agitation, restlessness or anxiety can result from the stimulating effect. With more energy it may mean you can't relax or sit still even if you want to.

Coping:

Regular exercise, such as jogging, biking, aerobics, or walking.

Deep-breathing exercises, muscle relaxation or yoga.

Ask your doctor about taking a relaxing or sedating medication.

Hope some of this helps and although the side effects can be unpleasant be assured the end result is a much happier you 😃

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